About
A high quality ‘Nantes’ variety that is popular with organic farmers due to its good resistance to carrot fly, alternaria (leaf blight) and cavity spot. Sow from March – June, harvest from August through the winter. The sweet roots can be harvested through the winter and strong tops make for easier lifting making this variety increasingly popular.
About the genus
Daucus are more commonly known as wild carrot, a group of herbaceous, biennial (although not always) plants which can reach a height of between 30 to 60cm. The triangular shaped leaves are tripinnate, divided and lacy and flowers begin in pink buds, opening into small and white clustered together in dense umbels. The fruit is small, hairy and lumpy.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in an open, sunny position with deeply cultivated, well-drained soil; heavy clay or stony soils may cause carrots to fork so it is best to make sure you have removed as many stones as possible and for clay soils add plenty of organic matter, such as well rotted manure. To reduce chances of harvesting forked carrots in clay soil choose a short-rooted cultivar. Keep seeds well-watered until your seedlings have emerged. You can also sow seeds in containers, especially if you select a cultivar with a shorter root. Harvest carrots from August through the winter March. For more advice, see carrots cultivation.
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed. Seeds can be sown from March until June. To sow directly into the ground, dig over the soil to remove weeds and large stones, firm it and then rake it level. Make drills with a hoe, water the base and sow the seed. It is best to sow sparingly so you don’t have to thin the carrots too much later on as this can attract carrot fly. Cover with soil and water in.
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to wireworm, slugs and rodents; foliage may be susceptible to aphids but shows good resistance to carrot fly larvae A barrier of fine insect mesh at least 60cm high around the beds can help prevent carrot fly laying eggs.
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to types of carrot leaf blight in wet conditions during the growing season but shows good resistance to Alternaria and carrot spot. Generally disease-free